The government froze price rises for the household electricity tariff, tariff 11, as an election commitment.

However, Mr Newman said Origin raised that tariff and others, as well as various service charges.

The hikes were "not justified" and "unacceptably high", he said.

Mr Newman today said electricity providers were using the carbon tax as an excuse to increase prices.

"They're trying to use that as an excuse, while consumers are confused, to actually put up prices more than what the carbon tax actually justifies," he told reporters in Townsvillewhere a community cabinet mereting is being held today and tomorrow.